Sen. Jon Kyl Reportedly Retiring

Most Senate retirements recently have come from Democrats in danger of losing re-election battles. But on Thursday, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., will reveal his decision to quit at a press conference in Arizona, a source tells Politico.

Kyl took office in 1995 and serves as the state’s junior senator to John McCain. The 68-year-old Phoenix resident also served as a member of the House from 1987-1995.

After joining the Senate, Kyl rose up the totem pole of leadership positions, including Policy Committee chairman (2003–2007), Conference chairman (2007) and most recently (in December 2007), Senate Minority Whip.

A reliable conservative, Kyl was a key point man in the GOP’s negotiations with the White House over the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia last year. Congress approved START in December, despite Kyl’s opposition.

Most Senate retirements recently have come from Democrats in danger of losing re-election battles. But on Thursday, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., will reveal his decision to quit at a press conference in Arizona, a source tellsPolitico. Kyl took office in 1995 and...